We all know there will be appetizers everywhere this holiday season so why not have some extra protein in yours! It’s warm, savory, protein-heavy, gluten-free, and feels indulgent without wrecking anyone’s goals. Perfect “grab-and-go” bites so people stay social instead of stuck at a table.
Ingredients (Makes ~24 bites)
Chicken Base
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (high-protein, keeps them juicy)
- 1/3 cup finely chopped green onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Crunch + Flavor
- 4–5 strips Turkey bacon, chopped and crisped
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan (adds 10g+ protein across the batch)
Dipping Sauce (Optional but elite)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix the base: Combine ground chicken, egg, Greek yogurt, spices, onions.
- Fold in the bacon + parmesan. (This is the flavor pop.)
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form 1–1.5 inch balls.
- Bake 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden and internal temp hits 165°F.
- Mix the dipping sauce ingredients and serve on the side.
Nutrition (per bite, approx.)
- 60–70 calories
- 6–7g protein
- 2–3g fat
- 2–3g carbs
That means 4–5 bites gives you 25–35g protein before dinner even starts.
Why This Appetizer Works for the Holidays
This recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance between flavor and function. The high-protein base keeps people satisfied so they naturally avoid the mindless holiday overeating spiral. The Greek yogurt keeps everything tender without piling on unnecessary fat, and the turkey bacon delivers that salty crunch everyone wants—just without the hit to their macros. It’s naturally gluten-free, free of fillers, and fits almost every style of eating. Most importantly, it still feels indulgent and festive, giving you the best of both worlds: a crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer that actually supports your goals instead of steamrolling them.
